Teens (ages 15-18) are you thinking about applying to colleges or wondering if it may be too expensive? Think again. Travel with us via motor coach on Saturday March 14, to Tarboro, NC to attend the annual College Round-Up at Edgecombe Community College. College Round-Up affords you the opportunity to meet face-to-face with college representatives who would like to help YOU find a way to get accepted into college.

On February 9, Greg Lukmire of The Lukmire Partnership presented his final report on design options for the Library to the City Council.

He reviewed the scope of work undertaken by their firm, the data gathering process, and the preferred re-design options – one for renovating the existing building and two for possible expansion. He also discussed their analysis of the existing building, and the constraints posed by ADA regulations.

Cost estimates for a renovated or expanded Library building, including constructions costs and other project costs range from $2,100,168 for renovation alone, to $3,190,481 for a 3,838 SF expansion, or $3,488,227 for a 4,465 SF expansion. The project, which would entail closure of the existing Library during construction, moving services for about a year, and storage of the bulk of the Library’s collections, will be considered by the Council during the upcoming budget season.

An expanded Library would provide the Library with a dedicated program room, a space for young adult collections, group study space and more lounge seating for family reading. It would retain the breadth and depth of the existing book collections, which residents have said they value, and which help to characterize it as a neighborhood library, distinct from larger libraries in the area.

The City of Takoma Park has announced that it is accepting Letters of Intent from organizations interested in applying for funding through the FY16 Community Grants Program. An informational meeting on available funding opportunities and the application process will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 7 pm in the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park MD. Though not required, prospective applicants to attend. The deadline for the submission of Letters of Intent is March 20, 2015.

The City of Takoma Park will be presenting a First Time Home Buyer Class on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Takoma Park Community Center. Class is free for Takoma Park residents. (There is a $25 fee for non-residents.)

Expert speakers from a lending institution, title company, real estate office, insurance and inspections will be on hand to teach you home the home buying process! Learn the entire process for buying a house or condo during our HUD-approved housing agency sponsored April 25th class!

Attendees will receive a certificate of completion! Pre-registration to the event is required. To register call or email the CIty of Takoma Park's Affordable Housing Manager, Linda Walker at 301-891-7222 or LindaW@takomaparkmd.gov.

On Saturday, March 28th, hundreds of people will come together on the campus of Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring to celebrate our environment and the role we all play in keeping it healthy. The Montgomery County GreenFest is a free event with something for everyone to enjoy.

Hear from national and local experts

Watch documentaries as a part of the Environmental Film Festival

Explore the exhibits and talk to nonprofits

Listen to music and entertainment

Bring the kids for indoor demonstrations and outdoor activities in Jesup Blair Park

The City's Lifelong Takoma Program and Takoma Middle School's "Difference Maker's" student volunteers club have joined together to help residents who are physically unable to remove snow from their steps, walkways and sidewalks.

...Or are you someone interested in joining student volunteers to shovel?

If so, please contact lifelong@takomaparkmd.gov or call 301-891-7232 and leave a recorded message. Please be sure to include your name, home address, a return phone number and specify your interest. Volunteer service is provided solely for Takoma Park residents. Just register one time for the full winter season. Get registered before the next snow fall!!